Southern Weddings

Since one image board couldn’t possibly do this wedding justice, we’re back with Part II of Poonam + Chirag’s wedding extravaganza.  Many more glamorous pics to peruse thanks to the ultra-talented husband and wife duo at Our Labor of Love, but what I really love is the bride’s dramatic bouquet of roses, calla lilies and rich gold accents, courtesy of Kebbie Hollingsworth Floral Design.  And the to-die-for jewelry?  Custom made and designed in Mumbai, India.  (Sigh.)  I have a bit (okay, a lot) more oohing and ahhing to do and I really hope you’ll join me again for Part III!

Describe your wedding flowers:  Our wedding flowers were mostly red roses and red calla lilies.  The reception flowers were all white mixed flowers (tulips, lilies and peonies) with green accents.
Describe your wedding cake:   It was four-tiered cake sitting on a bed of white hydrangeas with white sugar rose petals scattered on each layer.  Each layer was a different flavor because we couldn’t decide what we wanted.  There was italian creme, chocolate with kahlua, butter almond and carrot cake.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? The number of events involved and having to perfect the details for each one.  There were five total events and six wardrobe changes over the course of three days. Did i mention we also had about 500 guests?
Were there any wedding traditions or new ideas you included in the wedding? Rather than block off any hotel rooms, the majority of our guests stayed in large beach houses in Miramar Beach.  This was a lot of fun for our guests because they could enjoy the beach and spend time together.

Wait, there’s more!  Part III just might be the best yet…

I know we tend to get a little excited about weddings around here (join the club, right?), but I promise today’s wedding from Our Labor of Love is unlike anything you have ever seen!  Apart from the bright colors, lush details and over-the-top amazingness of this Florida wedding, Poonam + Chirag’s extravagant five-day affair at the Emerald Coast Conference Center was actually planned, designed and executed by our very own, Lara Casey.  The rich jewel tones of the bride’s and her attendants’ custom-designed ceremony outfits are breathtaking and the plush pillows and floor seating perfectly regal.  Kind of blown away, aren’t you?  Don’t worry, there’s more… much more!  In the meantime, if you just can’t wait, check out the original post from Our Labor of Love.

How did the two of you meet?  Tell us your story. It’s actually quite funny.  My friends and I met Chirag and his cousin out one night in Houston.  I was 21 years old and Chirag said that he was 24.  We all went out a few times together and then one day Chirag sent me a text message that said “Dinner?”… that was his “romantic” way of asking me out for our first date!  We went to dinner at Star Pizza and he confessed that he actually was 28.  I didn’t believe him and demanded that he show his ID.   I couldn’t believe I was smitten by someone who was so old!
Describe the proposal.  Chirag flew out to Fort Walton Beach with his family to visit.  We were all hanging out at my house when Chirag suggested we take a walk on the beach.  We were sitting on the beach and I was lying down next to him.  He threatened to pour sand on me and I told him I’d smack him if he did!  Instead, he placed the ring on my neck and asked me if I’d marry him.
Three adjectives that describe the day are:  Exhilarating, blessed and amazing.
What was the design inspiration for your wedding invitation? I found an invitation that matched the mandap (the stage) where our wedding ceremony took place.
What was your favorite design element of your big day?  The sweetheart table at the reception.|
Our favorite detail of the wedding was:  The dessert bar.

This is one wedding you absolutely cannot miss!  Check back soon for Parts II and III and prepared to be wowed!